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The Keystone Policy Center announced today the hiring of Charles Dukes as a senior policy director and the new director for its Center for Education. Dukes brings a wealth of experience and commitment to this role with a distinguished career in education leadership, team development, and grant initiatives.
“We are thrilled to welcome Charles as a senior policy director and the director for the Center for Education at the Keystone Policy Center. His proven track record of leadership, dedication to social and racial justice, and team development—which accompanies his wealth of experience in education—make him an ideal choice for this role. We look forward to the positive impact he will undoubtedly have on our efforts to advance education policies and practices that benefit our communities,” said Christine Scanlan, president and CEO of the Keystone Policy Center.
Dukes comes to Keystone following his tenure as a senior program officer at Wend Collective, where he oversaw a $7 million annual grant strategy, with a strong emphasis on funding for minority-led non-profits. Dukes has also served in education leadership roles at the City of Denver and Denver Public Schools, where he addressed educational policies, fostered collaborative networks, and spearheaded vital post-secondary initiatives. His expertise further contributed to enhancing program operations and facilitating accelerated learning opportunities at Aurora Public Schools and Denver Public Schools. Dukes also played a pivotal role at the Colorado Department of Education in advocating for support for rural communities, professional school-based counselors, and access to rigorous academic courses. His commitment to education and community is further exemplified by his current position as an at-large city councilor for Commerce City, where he leads efforts for balanced growth, public safety, and improved infrastructure.
“I am truly honored and excited to join Keystone Policy Center as the new director of the Center for Education. Keystone’s commitment to fostering collaboration, addressing critical education challenges, and helping policymakers develop sensible policies that positively impact communities aligns seamlessly with my own values and experiences,” Dukes said. “I am eager to leverage my background in education leadership to advance Keystone’s mission. Together, with the talented team at Keystone, I look forward to making meaningful strides in shaping a more equitable and accessible education landscape for all.”
Keystone’s Center for Education partners with educators, policymakers, communities, and industry leaders as they increasingly focus on the challenge of ensuring all students are prepared for tomorrow’s opportunities, with equitable access to a high-quality education that prepares them for the college or career path of their choice. Its projects address a range of objectives including preparing and supporting the educator workforce, increasing access to high-quality courses and instruction that prepare students for success, supporting development of innovative learning experiences that meet the varied needs of students, and facilitating effective engagement of families and other stakeholders in the education system.
